The Jumbos Qualify 2 for Nationals at the December Preseason Meet

(12/4/2004) See more Photos     Full Results

The Annual Husky Classic hosted by Northeastern University at the Reggie Lewis Complex is a time for sprinters and field athletes to gauge how their fall training has or hasn't gone and a time for the distance crew - recently off their nationals run - to pick up early qualifications. You will find that freshman and underclassman surprises are the norm as well as top contenders making their presence known once more.

This year was no exception. Starting off the meet was the five thousands meters, which gave the cross country team a chance to use their fall training to put up a good time. Matt Lacey used this plan to perfection by moving with the lead pack to place 3rd with a new PR and national provisional time of 14:48.40, beating All-American Ben Schmeckpeper in the process. Freshman, Chris Kantos, showed us a glimpse of his ability when he, in his first time on an indoor track, passed his teammates to finish 9th with a time of 15:07.50, the second fastest time ever for a Tufts first year.

All-American Fred Jones wasted no time in the triple jump by automatically qualifying for nationals with his second place jump of 14.61m along with a third place in the long jump (6.82m). Jones is accompanied this year by a pair of freshmen, outstanding in their own rights, Kenneth Kang and Dan Marcy. How much can they learn from their teammate and how long will they live in his shadow are questions to be watched throughout the season.

The throwing crew was not without their own surprises. Sophomore Ryan Byrne recorded a 4th place in the shot put, hurling the shot 14.22m, a half meter PR and good enough for a DIII NE qualification. Junior, Jason Galvin, gave his best in the weight throw with a 10th place finish (13.03m) in trying to pick up the slack left by the absence of the top thrower last season.

The sprinter squad is a group still trying to find its place on the team due to loaded distance and jumping squads, but with new leadership in the form of Trevor Williams, they should be surprising throughout the season. Trevor gave them a jump start with a great 500m race, finishing 9th in 1:07.32. Trevor looks to be gaining strength and endurance, which will be an asset for the 400m hurdles come outdoors.

Other notable races include senior, Mike Don's three thousand meters, where he ran his fastest race since sophomore year (8:48.01) and looks to be finally 100% after a case of mono early in the fall. Freshman, Dave Bach showed that his 4:03 1500m was no mistake and came out gunning in the mile to win his heat in a fierce kick (4:31.04). Captain and senior, Aaron Kaye, with a healthy pair of legs looks to make a large impact this season and started it off with a 2:36.99 in the thousand meters.

And thus begins the 2004-2005 Indoor Track season. Get ready for a fun ride Jumbo watchers.

*All distances will be reported in meters. Conversion rate from meter to feet is 3.28


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